Darkroom

A Match, Perhaps.

2008-11-01T14:38:00.000-07:00

For my final project at RMSP I started on a series of flowers representing literary characters. I've been struggling to finish the series, but I am making progress.
I decided to start working on the counterparts for my flowers. Since flowers, on the whole, are not very "masculine," I began working with fall leaves. I'm still figuring it out, I honestly don't know if any of the "guys" will stay, but it's a step in the right direction... Well, it's a step anyway.

OPHELIA

HAMLET

EPONINE

MARIUS

Still no boyfriends for these girls...

MARIANNE

DAISY

Also

2008-10-01T17:28:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of an impromptu family photo session I took. Not too shabby for setting the self timer and running like a fool.

Pictures of my sweet nephew coming soon...

2008-10-01T16:58:00.001-07:00

In the mean time, here are a few photos from some of our Hawaii fun...

The first two weeks I hung out with Leanne and Isaac (who is now 5 weeks!) and came to grips with the reality of life with a newborn baby. Leanne is an awesome mom. I was totally amazed at what a woman can do on an hour and a half of sleep. Night after night. It's unbelievable. I helped where I could, but she definitely bore the brunt of the late nights. Despite the sleep deprivation we had so much fun. Hours of laughing and talking about how cute Isaac is and each of us attempting to convince the other to move. Most of our sentences ended in, "...which is why you should move to Portland," or, "...and that's why you're moving to Maui."
I HATE saying goodbye to Leanne.

The last week McKay joined me and we had a fantastic time. This pond was the front of the resort that we stayed in. Leanne hooked us up majorly with dolphin cruises, snorkeling, luaus, and a resort to die for.

One of the perks of having a boat captain for a brother-in-law, when he needs to go to the bathroom he leaves you in charge of driving the boat.

I became seriously addicted to the lava flow. I've never known anything like it.

This was a total highlight for me-- on the way back from a dolphin cruise, where we saw eagle rays, spinner dolphins and spotted dolphins, we pretty much ran smack into a HUGE tiger shark, who for some reason, was sunbathing at the top in the middle of the ocean. Usually these guys stay pretty deep, but he was just kickin it at the surface. It was CRAZY to see a shark in the wild like this. So much better than watching the discovery channel...

More to come!

The things you do for your wife who is trying to build a portfolio...

2008-09-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Labor Day, I dragged my dreamboat of a husband out and took some pictures. He's a cute boy.

So now what?

2008-08-24T23:24:00.001-07:00

It's been a little over a week since McKay and I have been back in Portland. It is good to be home, but I'm definitely experiencing some kind of adjustment period. I was a crazy, unpacking fool the first three days I was home. Organizing my summer stuff, as well as unpacking a new house. I actually really loved it. I'm used to getting up early and having a zillion things to accomplish in one day. But now that it's all slowing down, and I'm beginning to settle in, so is the fear and sadness. Fear because what the heck am I supposed to do with myself now. Sadness because I miss my photo buddies.

Photography can be pretty isolating, something that I hadn't experienced until now. I just spent 11 weeks, 12 hours a day with a large group of people who all pretty much shared my same goals. Same passion. And there's something really comforting about not knowing what to do and where to go with yourself when you're with 100 people who feel the exact same way. I met some fantastic people, who taught me way more than I realized at the time. Being home, being alone with my camera, I realize that now.

I had a fantastic time. I saw and did things that I never would have thought about doing outside of this experience. It gave me a chance to appreciate all of the great things in my life-- like a wonderful, supportive husband who I love madly. I realized a lot about myself, stuff I'd never known. I had moments of complete euphoria and moments of total defeat. I went to dog shows, rodeos, national parks, pow wows, bison refuges, ghost towns, and a thousand little places in between that probably wouldn't look like much, but turned out to be serious sources of inspiration for me. I promised myself that I would get the most out of this experience that I possibly could, and that when I left I wanted no regrets. I am happy that that this is the case. But I guess I didn't think about the "real world" after my little photography bubble. Now I've got to figure out and gear up for a whole new chapter.

It is good to be home. I missed my life here. It was a first and a last for leaving my family behind--dogs and husband accompany all long term trips in the future. I know this is just a transitional period and the rough spots will pass. And no matter what happens from here with my "career" in photography life will be happy and full. But seriously. Here's hoping that I can actually make a go at this.

Today...

2008-08-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

-- I graduate from Rocky Mountain School of Photography.
-- I finish packing, cleaning and loading the car.
-- I leave my little bubble and go back to the real world.

I can't believe it's August 15th already...

But enough about Photography...

2008-08-01T21:09:00.000-07:00

I'm taking the day OFF. That means, I'm not picking up my camera, and I'm not feeling guilty about it. Mostly because I have been a crazy picture taking/editing/analyzing fiend over the past few weeks, due to upcoming final projects. Culmination of self and technique and creativity. All rolled into one. A bit daunting at times. So I'm not doing it today.

I spent most of the day cleaning my bathroom and bedroom, folding laundry, eating gummy bears and watching Youtube. And again, NOT FEELING GUILTY.

So as I was watching Youtube, and mostly watching clips from some of my favorite shows and such, I started thinking about fictional characters, and how pathetic it is that sometimes I like fictional characters more than actual human beings. So I made a list of 5 of my would-be bff's if fiction were reality.

1. Elizabeth Bennett: This is a given, since she is one of the most dynamic female characters ever written. In my humble opinion. As an all knowing literary critic.
Liz and I would swap books and empire waist dresses. She wouldn't have to feel so out of place as an 18th century outspoken, sarcastic female, because I'd be right there with her. Definite bff's.

2. Pam Beesley: Pam and I would totally get along. Not to mention, she and Jim would be the perfect couple for McKay and I to double with. And as we are both aspiring artists, Pam and I share common interests. Plus, Pam is a little bit nicer than I am, so she'd be a good influence on me, I think.

3. Elaine Benes: On the other hand, Elaine would be someone that I could be on my worst behavior and feel completely comfortable with. And we would do fun things together, like go to art shows and the theater and people watch the entire time.

4. Princess Leia: I am all for intergalactic friendships. And being friends with a Princess would probably be pretty cool, too. Since she can fly a space ship and has political power, I really don't think there's anything that we couldn't do.

5. Sydney Bristow: I am a solid and faithful fan of Alias. At least the first to secondish seasons. And Sydney is hard core. I totally admire how she can kick butt. She would be my part time personal trainer, teaching me death grips and cool kicks, and the other half of the time we would hang out, probably go shopping. I'd have her show me where she buys all of her awesome disguises. I am in need of a pink wig that shapes my face and makes me look super hot. Besides that, she is loyal. If I were ever to be captured by terrorists, she would so fly half way around the world to save me. I could definitely use a friend like that.

So, there you have it. My five fictional sisters. I know you're now thinking about who yours would be...

Chopped it.

2008-07-30T16:50:00.001-07:00

No more hair.

Midterm Slideshow

2008-07-30T00:55:00.000-07:00

2008-07-20T22:48:00.000-07:00

Hello.

I added some new things to my website (www.amandamarshallphotography.com)

For anyone who is interested....

Thank you.

Also, Studio.

2008-07-16T21:28:00.000-07:00

You don't know these people, but this is me having fun with studio lights...

" The Band". This was SO much fun to shoot.

Tomorrow we start tabletop shooting. I'm excited!

2008-07-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

Since gasoline is ridiculously expensive these days, instead of driving to some point of interest this past weekend, I decided to restrict myself to the front yard of the house I'm living in. I threw on my macro lens and went out to see what I could find. It turned out to be a really good exercise and really fun.
When I was done my landlady asked me, "What in the world were you taking pictures of?? There's nothing but dirt and weeds out there!"
I found some other stuff too.

Here are a few of my favs:

So, all that's left for me and school is to create a business plan (I have no idea what to write) and to come up with my final project (I have no idea what to shoot).

It's gonna be a busy last few weeks!

Guess who came to visit??

2008-07-10T14:43:00.000-07:00

McKay came out to Missoula for the 4th of July weekend and we had a total blast. It was SO good to see him. It had been a long 4 weeks and I was in desperate need of familiarity and normalcy. And hugs.

He was instantly and willingly recruited as my assistant as we went around finding things to photograph for my big slideshow project tomorrow afternoon. He proved to be good luck, as I had changed my theme for my project about a million times and was hitting a wall with what it was I wanted to do. He helped me brainstorm and I'm pretty happy with what we came up with. I'll try to post the final product once I've shown it tomorrow.

On Friday we went to the Arlee Powwow, which was very cool and a new experience for both of us. Beautiful regalias and dancing.

McKay bought me a couple of presents--I'm really into gemstone rings...

We went and saw Wall-E and then sat in a parking lot and watched everybody else's fireworks. Very relaxing and inexpensive!

Saturday we headed up to Glacier National Park which was AMAZING. We highly recommend going. We took what's called " The Road to the Sun," appropriately named as you really feel like you are floating in the sky. McKay kept reminding me how high were were, and how little it would take for us both to plunge to our deaths. So romantic.

(McKay sampling a fresh water stream)

We saw a real life mountain goat, but he was too quick for my camera. We couldn't figure out how he got to where he was--he was at the top of a cliff that was about at a 90 degree angle. So cool. I wish we could have seen him scale it. We saw plenty of people with binoculars claiming to see Grizzly bears, but no personal sightings. I think I might prefer it that way anyway.

It was a fantastic few days and I'm so glad he came. Only about 5 more weeks to go. We agreed this is the first and LAST time we are apart for an extended period of time. I introduced him to a friend of mine from school. She told him she was trying to convince me to come back out in October to see some of my classmates graduate from the advanced program. She hadn't even finished her sentence before McKay cut her off with an emphatic "Nope!" It's nice to know that I am missed.

Tomorrow I present my "midterm" project to about 40 of my classmates and 4 instructors. I am ready to get it over with, but I'm not as freaked as I have been about past assignments. Which is weird, because this is definitely the biggest so far. I think I'm just sick of being insecure. It's exhausting. So I've decided to turn over a new leaf and just accept where I am thus far, and be happy. It requires much less energy and I sleep better. It sounds weird, but I think I just figured out that I can decide to stop stressing myself out. But then again, it's only been about 48 hours since I figured this out, so I guess we'll see if it sticks.

Wish me luck!

This is what I do for fun.

2008-06-25T23:10:00.000-07:00

I took a quiz to see which Disney princess I would be. My results below...

You Are Megara!

Charming and witty. You are always the first person to come up with a wisecrack. Sure, you have an attitude, but that's why people love you. You keep them on their toes. Sometimes you can be misleading, but always end up doing the right thing for the people you love.

Which Disney Princess Are You?

I thought this was ironically appropriate, considering I was told today that I look harmless, but in reality I'm quite the smart ass. He meant that in the nicest way possible.

Montana: Land of Beginnings

2008-06-24T21:22:00.001-07:00

I saw the above in a sandwich shop today.

Thanks to everyone who made me feel so special on my birthday! I got about a million phone calls all day long and each lovely birthday wish made me smile. I apologize for not being available for most of your calls. 1. I was working on a big project that was due on Monday morning and 2. Montana hates my phone. Most of my calls go straight to voicemail, and I usually get them the day after someone calls. It's really weird. I go in and out of service a lot, and when I do finally get to talk to people there's a lot of "HUH?!" "WHAT?!" Super fun.

In other news I finally got my website working! It is definitely a work in progress and I haven't filled it with photos yet, but for the sake of time I am going to be cutting back on the images I post on blogger and put them on my website. Therefore, if you would like to see what I've been up to as of late, and some of the things I've been working on visually, this is the place to go:

www.amandamarshallphotography.com

I am going to be making constant adjustments to it, adding new and getting rid of stuff all the time. It will be like my visual home base from now on. This here blog I'll be continuing, but more on a contextual, word based basis. Word based basis? Well, you know what I mean...

I'm tired and I think I need some popcorn before I go to bed.

2008-06-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

I'm at the close of week three here in Missoula. It's so weird, I feel like I'm living in a bubble. I have no concept of time or day. I just show up where and when they tell me to.

Today we went into some detail about studio photography, and tomorrow morning we go to our studio lab to practice. We are split into groups of 3 or 4 and we all rotate between being the photographer, the assistant, and the model. HA! That's right, I said model. It's a good thing I brought all my prom dresses. Just kidding.

I'm excited to see what it's like. Sometimes I think I would like doing studio stuff, because of the control factor. You can completely manipulate the light to suit your needs. But it's much more intimidating. I've heard from lots of people who've already been to studio that it's lots of fun, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow.

This past weekend some friends from school took me out for my anniversary. My friend Allie also had everyone from our group sign an anniversary card for me. So I have an anniversary card from about 30 people. It cracked me up. I really like the people I spend 14 hour days with. Which, I know, is quite fortunate.

Anyway, we decided to go to Bannick this past weekend, which used to be the capital of Montana, but is now just this really awesome ghost town. I really wished that I had a tripod while we were there, but I made do with what I had. I would love to go back.

This week was a bit tough. I definitely hit a wall, and it probably won't be the last time of the summer. It's been a bit overwhelming, and I am feeling the effects of the intensity of it all. I woke up one morning and thought, "I didn't really quit both of my jobs, move out of my apartment, leave my dogs in California and my husband in Oregon to spend preciously scarce funds thinking that I can become a professional photographer... did I?" Uh. Yes, I did.

Yesterday I attended a lecture from one of my instructors who also is a professional ski and snowboarding photographer, and he started his talk by telling us that about 10% of what he shoots in a year is actually something that he would consider "good". He also said that Ansel Adams was pleased with his year and considered it a success if he made 12 prints a year. Ironically enough, this was HUGELY comforting to me. I'm not the only one who deletes 90% of what I take when I go shooting. In no way would I compare myself to Ansel Adams, but I figure, if I follow the pattern and don't give up, I will hopefully find my own small measure of success. I don't want to be famous. Just satisfied. I'll keep working on it.

Anyway.

It's my birthday on Sunday. I'll be 26. How is that possible? I've already received several boxes and cards from loved ones. Thank you all. I feel loved. I've decided for my birthday I will celebrate by going to the Annual Missoula Dog Show. I keep thinking about Christopher Guest and Best in Show. It seems like it would be packed with possibilities for entertainment and some fun photography. I guess I'll find out.

Happy Us

2008-06-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Dear McKay,

I'm am so happy that we got married five years ago today. I am such a lucky girl. Every year gets better and better, and I can't wait for next year, when who knows, maybe we'll actually get to spend our anniversary together?!
I wish so much that we could be together today. I miss you every day, and I can't wait to see you soon!

And I think it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway....

You're my best friend.

I LOVE YOU!!!!
XOXOXO

A Very Good Day with Carrie and Tony--and a 50mm fixed lens

2008-06-13T21:43:00.000-07:00

Summer Snowflakes

2008-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

For the past two days it has been snowing. Yes. I know.

It could be worse-- it's not sticking for very long, and it's usually more slushy rain than snow, but seriously. Snow? I brought shorts, not parkas. And everyone that I talk to around here says, "what do you expect? We're in the mountains." Well, nobody told me it snows in June in the mountains.

Which reminds me of another funny little outsider moment I had. During a lecture one of my instructors announced that she was in the market for a bear skin rug and to let her know if we hear of where she can get one. I was shocked! I couldn't believe that she had just announced to a group of 100 people that she actually wanted a bear skin rug as an element of decor for her home. After class I was talking to a couple of friends about this, expecting them to think it was as crazy as I did. They both looked at me for a moment with identical blank expressions, until one of them said, "Where did you say you from?" I explained that I was from Portland. They nodded and said, "Oh okay, that's why. Yeah, you West coasters think that kind of thing is weird. To us, it's normal." FYI these girls were from Alaska and Wyoming. FYI #2 I still think owning a bear skin rug is gross.

We're half way through week two and I survived through two critiques in my photo studies class--not that the assignments were too terribly difficult. The first was showing shutter speed and Depth of Field in action. (The visuals are for you, McKay)

The second assignment was about fooling my light meter. Getting the best exposure.

We're judged solely on technique and not creativity (they just want to make sure we understand the controls,) but it's still a bit nerve wracking having an instructor critique in front of about 40 other people, but I guess I'd better get used to it, because I'm pretty sure it's not going to get any easier. So far, no sobbing aloud during class.

Today I had my first visual studies class which includes a history of photography. I have a feeling this is going to be my favorite class. I enjoyed SO much absorbing and seeing where it all began. It's so interesting to me the debate on whether or not photography is a science or an art. Can't it be both? According to the majority of the art community (even today) no, it cannot.

In other news, I have become totally obsessed with the Dan in Real Life soundtrack. I am building much of my photo library to Sondre Lerche's vocals, not to mention the hours of homework. And the occasional blogging.

I'm sure there was something else that I was going to write about, but I actually have some time off tonight, and I am hoping to finish a book that I started back in Portland. I know how to party.

PS. A hearty hip hip hooray to McKay for finishing his finals yesterday!!! Yaaaay!! If I were there, we would totally celebrate with a frosty. I love you.

Gotta Start Somewhere.

2008-06-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

EARLY this morning I went with a couple of friends to the Lee Metcalf Refuge to try to capture some nature. I was expecting roaming deer and hopping bunnies. No such luck. It was quite cold and cloudy--not the best of mornings to be out there. It was a beautiful drive, especially at 5:30 in the morning when the mist and fog is still hovering over the mountain tops. Too bad I have a lousy lens (for now) and have no idea what the correct exposure is for a cloudy mountain in half light. Just one more thing to learn this summer.

Anyway, here's a couple of shots that I ended up with--I thought I'd dedicate it to Laura, as she always appreciates my shroom shots. Why is that, Laura?

Please remember that I am a student here, and so the skill level is nowhere near where I hope it will be in the next few months. But I figured the end result will not be as impressive if I don't show my beginning efforts first. Right?

In other news, my neighbors have the CUTEST dogs and I have been stalking them. I talk to them through the fence and they wag their tails at me. The dogs, not the neighbors.
Would it be totally weird if I asked the people who live there if they'd ever let me walk them? The dogs, not the neighbors.

Oh how I miss my puppies.

Whooo are you... do do do do...

2008-06-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

I miss CSI.

Today I had my first test. It was a take home test. I wasn't expecting these particular questions, but according to my instructor, the answers are more important than I might think. So I thought, why not post them? Some background info on me, if nothing else.

1. List your last 3 Jobs:

Nanny
Used bookstore employee
Admin Assistant

2. If you weren't a photographer, what would your dream job be?

Humanitarian aid, in some capacity

3. What's your favorite book?

It's a 3 way tie: The Great Gatsby, The Poisonwood Bible, and Pride and Prejudice

4. What's your favorite movie?

It's a Wonderful Life

5. List your 3 favorite hobbies or passions:

Photography
Reading
Travel

6. When you go to a party are you an observer or a joiner? What' the payoff of taking that role?

I guess I do a bit of both. I like to observe people more than join in. Sometimes it's more interesting. It depends on how comfortable I am with the people who are there.

7. Where do you see yourself in the pictures you take?

I suppose I see myself as the storyteller or messenger.

8. Favorite photographic subject (List up to 3 in order of preference)

Shape and texture (macro) of anything, really
Candids of people
Nature/Wildlife

9. Least favorite photographic subject (One only)

Adults in a non-candid setting

10. Biggest fear in photography

Not being as good as I've hoped I can be.

11. Name your favorite photographer or favorite photograph

I love everything by Alfred Eisenstaedt

12. Where do you feel most at ease/grounded?

Anywhere I am with my husband and my dogs

13. Tell me something about yourself that I wouldn't know by looking at you.

I love to laugh. Finding humor in things is what keeps me sane.

While this was a fun little exercise I'm assuming the rest of my tests will be a lot different.

Also, today I learned that I know more about photography than I thought I did. And I learned quite a few new things that will hopefully already make my compositions a bit better. Tomorrow is my first field study, which means I go out with a couple of instructors and assistants and they grade me on how well I can complete an assignment in the field. In tomorrow's case-- control of depth of field and communicating motion through shutter speed. So far, I feel like I'm following along quite well. But who knows what tomorrow will bring!

The Show is Officially on the Road

2008-06-03T22:38:00.001-07:00

Today was my first official day of lecture, where I learned all about tripods, ball heads and small, medium and large format cameras. I am totally getting smarter already. I can feel it.

I also attended a 2 and a half hour lecture on bear safety. I can now tell you what an L plate is for your tripod, and the difference between black bear and grizzly bear tracks. It was a good day.

Yesterday was a long day of going over curriculum, rules, directions, where to park, etc. so I was really glad to dive in today. I've already met a lot of really great people, and I've been more social and introduced myself to more people in a short period of time than I think I ever have. Yesterday Arno from Finland and I sat together at lunch. We discussed the health care system in Finland. He gets to go to the dentist for $10. Sometimes it pays to be Finnish.

I don't have much to show for myself yet, but I'm sure I'll have lots of projects coming up. I will also have my own "professional level," hosted website for the time that I'm here. It's not quite up and running yet, but when it is that is where I will put most of my shots. The site is:

www.amandamarshallphotography.com

Creative, no?

As it is almost midnight and I have a long day ahead, that's all for now. Pictures to come soon...